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School Desk Blog: Supporting students through challenging academic times

The California School Dashboard will soon be updated by the California Department of Education (CDE) with test scores and student data. The Dashboard reports how districts and schools perform on multiple state and local indicators that make up California's accountability system and is used to access important information about Ukiah Unified and all of California's K–12 schools and districts. The Dashboard identifies strengths and weaknesses and helps ensure that schools meet the needs of all students. If you want to learn more about the California School Dashboard, please visit https://www.caschooldashboard.org/.


Much like most California school districts, we anticipate our scores will be lower than in years past. The pandemic impacted many of our student’s education in a negative way. These test scores will thoroughly examine the pandemic’s toll on learning, and we shouldn’t be surprised or discouraged. This just means we have a lot of work to do. We’ve never been afraid of hard work, and at Ukiah Unified, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and were getting after it. We will analyze the data when it is released and then move forward, knowing we will make adjustments and do everything possible to close the learning gaps. We will support our students through this challenging time and help them thrive! 


I am encouraged by the action plans each campus has developed to accelerate learning and keep kids on track. Each school day, teachers provide targeted small-group instruction for students who need additional support in math and reading. Our English Language Learners receive daily designated language development time. The schools have specialists who visit classrooms and assist students individually and in small groups in their particular areas of need.


Ukiah Unified middle and high schools offer Intervention and Support Classes in targeted subjects where classes are longer with built-in review and tutorial elements. For example, Ukiah High School Algebra I classes are two periods long to boost and accelerate learning. Additional support staff have been hired to help in math and reading, and we have a renewed district-wide focus on our vital Professional Learning Community (PLC) work!


Tutoring Available for Ukiah Unified Students  

  • Elementary and Middle School Tutoring After School Education & Safety Program (ASES) staff and The City of Ukiah Safari Program have partnered to offer free after-school enrichment and homework help at every elementary and middle school. Additionally, any parent or student can request enhanced after-school tutoring. These students are pulled from ASES or stay after school for targeted one-on-one or small-group tutoring with teachers. Contact your student’s teacher or school for more information.
  • Ukiah High School Tutoring UHS teachers tutor in the library daily from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Students can drop in anytime during these hours for help, and all subjects are covered. Call 707.472.5750 for more information.
  • Ukiah Independent Study Academy (UISA) Tutoring opportunities happen daily; you can find a schedule on the UISA website. https://uisa.uusd.net/
  • Free online homework help is available for students in grades 6 – 12 with Tutor.com. This service connects learners online with one of their over 3000 expert tutors, live, on-demand, 24/7. Students can receive tutoring in English and Spanish in over 200 academic subjects, homework help, writing assistance, and test preparation. Reach out to your student’s school if they need help using Tutor.com. https://www.tutor.com/
How can parents and guardians help their children improve academically?
  • Read with your children.
  • Make sure your children attend school every day unless they are sick.
  • Ask questions and get involved with your child’s education.
  • Create a quiet space at home for studying and establish daily study times.
  • Make sure your child’s homework gets done.
  • Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher(s).
  • Help your child prepare for tests.
  • Log in to the Aeries Parent Portal regularly to check grades. https://uusd.asp.aeries.net/student/LoginParent.aspx?page=default.aspx
  • Reach out to your student’s school if they need additional tutoring.
  • Have a positive attitude about education and show an interest in school activities.
Again, we know our test scores will be lower than in years past, and we are no different than almost every district and school nationwide. The pandemic had effects on education that were out of our control, but we are able to control how we respond to the challenge. It’s up to us, and we’re responding to the challenge. We appreciate you as a part of the Ukiah Unified family and thank you for what you do to support students and educators in our community.